Exclusive By Jon Colman

Last updated 15:30, Wednesday, 14 May 2008

BOOKIES today slashed the odds on Keiren Westwood playing international football in the next two years – after it emerged the Carlisle United ‘keeper is eligible for the Republic of Ireland.

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Better odds for a cap: Keiren Westwood

News & Star Sport can reveal that Westwood, whose inspired goalkeeping helped United beat Leeds in Monday’s play-off first leg, qualifies for Eire through his grandmother.

Bookmakers Victor Chandler responded to the news by installing the 23-year-old at 6/1 to get a call-up to the Republic national squad by 2010 and 10/1 to be capped in that time. And the 23-year-old Mancunian, who is also 14/1 to get an England call-up before the next World Cup and 20/1 to be capped by Fabio Capello, admitted he would jump at the chance of representing Eire.

“It’s something I would definitely consider,” said the Blues star shotstopper.

“I’m not Irish as such but I’m a Catholic boy and it’s in my blood through my dad’s mother.

“But it’s silly to even talk about it at the moment – I’m only a League One goalkeeper!”

Newcastle’s Shay Given is Eire’s established number one, but Westwood could conceivably rival the likes of Scunthorpe’s Joe Murphy, Birmingham’s Colin Doyle, Preston’s Wayne Henderson and Ipswich’s Nick Colgan for a place in future squads under new manager Giovanni Trapattoni – particularly if Carlisle reach the Championship.

Westwood earned huge plaudits for his spectacular saves to deny Jermaine Beckford and Dougie Freedman at Elland Road on Monday. “Westwood is a star in the making, and he has been impressive all season for Carlisle,” said Victor Chandler spokesman Neal Wilkins. “If he carries on improving at the rate that he is, then an England call up could well be on the cards.

“With the likes of James, Robinson, Foster, Kirkland, Green and Hart all ahead of him at the moment it is a big ask, but he is a genuine talent.”

Westwood added: “Those boys are Premier League ‘keepers, so maybe I should be 10,000/1!”

The Blues ‘keeper modestly brushed aside praise for his sensational first-half save from Beckford on Monday, and insisted United were not downcast at conceding a late goal which allowed Leeds to kept the tie alive ahead of tomorrow’s second leg.

“It was a good save with my absolute fingertips and Jermaine was giving me a bit of banter on the pitch,” he said.

“But it’s not about me, it’s about the team and everybody did really well. We played some fantastic football compared with some of our recent games.

“Leeds probably deserved a goal but I don’t think it’s a disappointment. Other people will see it that way but all the lads are buzzing. Nobody was down. Why should we be? To come and win at Elland Road is a massive confidence boost for the boys.

“I would personally like to say thank-you to all the people who came down to support us. Me and all the lads appreciate the following we got.”

On tomorrow’s crunch second leg at Brunton Park, he added: “We’ve just got to see the game as 0-0 and try and win on the day. I can’t imagine us playing for a draw.”

JColman@cngroup.co.uk